FCC Greenlights Network Broadband Tester App

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is introducing a new network tester app, working toward a more accurate broadband coverage map.

The app replaces the previous FCC Speed Test app and integrates with the Commission’s Broadband Data Collection program, encouraging consumers to check their broadband speeds.

The FCC is trying to improve broadband data accuracy in the country. To that end, the commission put together the Broadband Data Collection program to ensure that consumers have access to transparent and open information about mobile network performance.

Crowdsourced Data

The network tester is based on a data crowdsourcing model, which ultimately will help the FCC paint a clear and precise picture of the broadband coverage in the country. Beyond that, it is also a useful tool for consumers as it allows them to submit their tests, directly challenging the coverage data that service providers report. In FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s words, “Consumers deserve to know where they have mobile coverage and at what speeds.”

It also sports multiple useful features, including repeated tests, map overlay, and a national broadband app.

Why Is It Important Anyway?

An accurate broadband map is essential when the government is allocating significant funding, like the $42.5 billion from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. And if the information is missing, it becomes difficult for the government to treat all its citizens equitably and fairly.

A report from earlier this year, in March, pointed out that there were over 7.2 million locations in the US without fixed broadband access. So, the network tester helps identify such locations and verify them, improving the data and supporting better broadband infrastructure development.

The FCC wants first and foremost to empower the consumers. To help them identify when their service providers are not being truthful. With this network tester app, users challenge provider-reported data and share real-world connectivity experiences. Chairwoman Rosenworcel stated, “The FCC wants to include their experiences in our effort to create a more precise map of available coverage.”

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